Pacquiao in three-way Congress fight

KORONADAL CITY – A three-cornered fight looms in the first congressional district of South Cotabato after a former municipal mayor announced that he is joining world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and Rep. Darlene Antonino Custodio in the race.

In a long-distance interview with The STAR, lawyer Jordan Reyes said he has consulted his supporters about his plan to run for congressman in the first district and they all vowed to support him.

Reyes, who served as mayor of Polomolok town for two terms, said he will run under the party of city councilor Shirlyn Bañas Nograles, a women’s rights advocate and niece of House Majority Floor Leader Prospero Nograles of Davao City.

Councilor Nograles is challenging General Santos City Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr., who is seeking reelection.

For her part, Custodio, daughter of former General Santos City Mayor Adelbert Antonino and former first district Rep. Lu Antonino, will be the congressional candidate of Achievement with Integrity Movement (AIM). The Antoninos are identified with the opposition.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, is running under the banner of the Liberal Party wing of Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

Like Custodio, Reyes said he is not afraid of Pacquiao, explaining that he is "qualified" for the position and has the "resources" for a wider campaign for his congressional bid.

"Our supporters want to prove that we can win even if our opponents are Custodio and Pacquiao. For them, it’s a good race. It will prove that the election is not about money and popularity," Reyes said.